Couple give up everything, gain something better

About 1,983 years ago, a rich young man who wanted to fulfill his yearning for religious completeness came to Jesus and asked him how to accomplish that goal.

Jesus said, "If you want to be complete, go, sell what you own and give the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come follow me." The hold of his wealth caused him to reject Jesus' invitation.

In 1205 A.D., a young man named Francis, son of a wealthy merchant in Assisi, had a vision of Christ calling him to a life of poverty and service. He rejected his inheritance and founded the Franciscan religious order. He inspired many people in the Middle Ages.

The April 24 front page of The Tennessean inspired me and makes me believe that the same invitation that Francis answered 808 years ago has been answered positively by Dr. David Vanderpool and his wife, Laurie Stallings Vanderpool. They are selling their home, cars and farm to build a hospital and housing for sick people in Haiti. They propose to move there to treat the sick.

In our nation, where wealth is considered the main sign of success, the Vanderpools are "giving up the good life for good works." God bless them, and may they inspire many Americans to make comparable choices.

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Couple give up everything, gain something better

About 1,983 years ago, a rich young man who wanted to fulfill his yearning for religious completeness came to Jesus and asked him how to accomplish that goal.